This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission pan gasket on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including fluid drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use Toyota OEM gasket kit
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 4.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool if recently driven (minimum 30 minutes)
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove plastic engine undercover/splash shield if equipped (10mm bolts)
5. Position drain pan under transmission pan area
6. Have all new parts and fluids ready before starting

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Position drain pan directly underneath. Using a 10mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 10-15 minutes). Inspect drain plug and threads for damage.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Once fluid has fully drained, locate all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter (typically 16-18 bolts). Using a 10mm socket, loosen bolts in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Loosen each bolt gradually and evenly to prevent warping the pan. Remove all bolts except two at opposite corners.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Lower and remove transmission pan
   Support the transmission pan with one hand while removing the final two bolts. Carefully lower the pan, being aware residual fluid will spill out (approximately 1 cup). Tilt pan as needed to clear the transmission case. Keep pan level to avoid spilling remaining fluid.
4. 4

   Inspect internal transmission filter
   With pan removed, inspect the internal transmission filter screen (this is a non-replaceable internal strainer on this model). Look for metal particles, debris, or excessive sludge. Minor dust is normal, but large metal chunks indicate internal damage. The filter is not serviceable on this transmission and should not be removed.
5. 5

   Clean transmission pan and magnet
   Empty all remaining fluid from pan. Locate the magnetic drain plug inside the pan and inspect for metal particles. Clean the magnet thoroughly with brake cleaner and a rag. Clean the entire interior of the pan with brake cleaner, removing all old fluid, sludge, and gasket material. Dry completely with lint-free rags.
   ℹ️Some metallic dust on the magnet is normal. Chunks or shavings larger than 2mm may indicate internal wear.
6. 6

   Remove old gasket and clean mating surfaces
   Remove all old gasket material from both the transmission pan and the transmission case mating surface using a plastic gasket scraper. Work carefully to avoid gouging the aluminum surfaces. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for damage, warping, or deep scratches. Both surfaces must be completely clean and dry.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Deep scratches will cause leaks.
7. 7

   Install new gasket on transmission pan
   Position the new gasket onto the transmission pan, aligning all bolt holes. Most OEM gaskets are rubber-bonded and will stick to the pan surface. Verify the gasket is seated properly and all bolt holes align. Do not use additional gasket sealer unless specifically required by the gasket manufacturer.
   ℹ️Toyota OEM gaskets typically do not require RTV sealant. Using sealant when not needed can cause leaks or contaminate the transmission.
8. 8

   Reinstall transmission pan
   Carefully lift the transmission pan with gasket into position, aligning it with the transmission case. Thread all bolts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Once all bolts are hand-started, tighten in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to specification in multiple passes (50%, 75%, then 100% torque).
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install drain plug with new washer
   Install the new crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug by hand into the transmission pan until snug. Using a torque wrench, tighten the drain plug to specification. Do not overtighten as this will damage the aluminum pan threads.
   ⚠Always replace the drain plug crush washer. Reusing old washers will cause leaks.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill transmission with ATF
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the driver's side of the transmission case (accessed from underneath). Remove the fill plug. Using a fluid transfer pump, add 4.0 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through the fill hole. Reinstall fill plug and torque to specification. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature in Park, then check fluid level through fill hole with engine running. Fluid should trickle out slowly when at proper level. Add fluid as needed until proper level is achieved.
    ⚠Engine must be running and transmission at operating temperature (160-180°F) for accurate fluid level check.
    Torque spec

    Fill Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall plastic engine undercover/splash shield with 10mm bolts
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Dispose of used ATF properly at a recycling center or parts store
4. Record mileage and date of service for maintenance records

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from transmission pan or drain plug while engine idles in Park
• With engine at operating temperature and running, verify proper fluid level at fill plug (fluid should slowly trickle out)
• Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges, verifying smooth shifts with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Re-check for leaks after test drive, inspecting pan bolts and drain plug
• Check fluid level again when warm to ensure proper fill level is maintained

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